Sixteen days after it released teaser images of its upcoming electric city car, Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the all-electric Inster, a new A-segment sub-compact EV offering unique design, segment-leading driving range and versatility, and advanced technology at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show.
The Hyundai Inster builds on the design of the Korea-only, petrol-engined Casper introduced in 2021. However, the Inster offers a spacious interior in a small SUV body, underpinned by an extended body and wheelbase to deliver more interior space and a rugged road presence. As per Hyundai, the Inster offers fast charging and the best all-electric range (AER) in its segment, at up to 355km on a single charge.
Eco-friendly urban runabout
With its expanded dimensions, the Inster is positioned squarely between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compact models. This offers the maneuverability and ease of use buyers expect with enhanced practicality and flexibility thanks to a more spacious interior and improved luggage capacity. Compared with larger models from the segment above, the Inster’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving and boost convenience when parking.
“With Inster, we’ve taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. ” Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximizes its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster, we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”
Key highlights include LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp, and bumpers.
Inside, the Inster has enhanced technology and convenience with a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a wireless charging dock that forms part of a compact center console designed to create a greater sense of spaciousness.
The pixel theme is repeated inside, with graphics on the Inster’s steering wheel boss reinforcing the car’s high-tech image. The interior design also features customizable upper door trim garnishes for owners to further personalize their vehicle.
Inster’s interior offers versatility and spaciousness, with the front row seating providing walk-through access. All seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat – for increased flexibility. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also available. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and slide and recline.
EV that’s high on sustainability
Interior trim choices include Black, and Khaki Brown and Newtro Beige two-tone with full cloth trim.
Both the exterior and interior utilize sustainable materials. The Inster’s exterior features black high- gloss recycled paint, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint with a coloring made from recycled waste tyres. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used inside.
Fast charging capability and segment-leading range
Equipped with a 42 kWh battery as standard, the Inster is also available with a Long-Range 49 kWh battery as an option. Both models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1 kW (97 PS) in the base variant and 84.5 kW (115 PS) in the Long-Range car. Both versions offer 147 Nm of torque.
With a segment-leading projected range of 355 km (WLTP)] on a single charge for the Long-Range model, INSTER redefines what is possible from a small urban EV, delivering impressive flexibility with an estimated energy consumption of 15.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP)].
When using a 120 kW DC High-Power charging station, INSTER can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. INSTER also comes equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.
External and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality provides power for external devices (110V/220V), allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment.
Sophisticated technology and convenience features
Alongside its driving range and charging, INSTER offers a wealth of cutting-edge technology, including a multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features. INSTER also features 64-color LED ambient lighting, a digital cluster, a one-touch sunroof and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC) accessibility.
High on safety tech
The Hyundai Inster comes with comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features such as a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5).
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are also offered, plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safety Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).
The ADAS Parking System combines Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear with a Rear-View Monitor (RVM) for greater visibility.
Global rollout with additional model on the way
The Inster will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific in due course. Most equipment and technologies will come fitted as standard, with enhanced convenience and design features available optionally. Specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.
An additional variant, called the Inster Cross, will join the Inster family in the future, featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design.
Will the Inster EV come to India?
That’s a million-dollar question to which the answer is not yet known albeit the plan to launch in Asia Pacific is very much on the cards. What is known is that Hyundai Motor India’s EV programme for India will see it begin production of its first locally produced zero emission model – the Creta EV – at the end of 2024 from its Chennai manufacturing plant. The Creta EV will be officially launched in India in January 2025.
By 2030, there are plans to produce another five EVs in India. These six battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from Hyundai Motor India will span different segments and body styles, designed to cater to different segments like the mass market as well as mass premium market and will include an SUV, sedan and CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle).
ALSO READ:
Hyundai Motor India share of global sales crosses 15% for the first time
Electric car and SUV sales in India jump 90% to 90,000 units in FY2024
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisin Chung visits India amid IPO buzz